I knew Dr Kusum since 1976 when I entered MAMC as a first year student. She was one of the most smart, talented, compassionate and approachable teacher not only in PSM but among all the faculty member.
What impressed me most was her sophistication combination with simplicity.
I emulated her mannerisms when I myself became a faculty in my Alma Mater. Stay blessed

Homage to Dr kusum Sahgal. A loving class mate, a pleasant principal of L.H.M college. May her soul rest in peace.
From Professor Dr S.K Chugh.

Our deepest condolences to Mr Viney Sehgal, Seema and Vikram.

Kusum Didi as we all called you, I met you for the first time and enjoyed your warm hospitality at your house in Chankyapuri. I always found your humility and gentle demeanour awe inspiring. Babbu often regaled about the time you came to Doon as a new bride. We met a few times thereafter and every time I felt enriched in someway or the other in your company. Fondly remembered by Dimple and Babbu.

Sending love and joy to Viney, Babla, and all dear Kusumji's loved ones. Have fond memories of her visits to Los Angeles, initially to meet with SRF President and Ministers, then later with Viney for the Convocations. It was always a blessing to meditate with her, and take her to various pilgrimage places of Yogananda's California Spiritual places. They continue to be loved, as is Babla, and we keep all in our prayers. My life has been enhanced by the beautiful presence of this soul and her dear family touching my life. God bless you all.

Heartbreaking for me to know that she is no more with us now.
I wanted to tell everyone that my mother used work in her house as a cook (Nalini)in bangla No- 1 connaught place new Delhi in the year 1998.
I was 4 years old lives with my parents there in the servant quarter. She was so humble and down to earth. At that time I don't know she is such a big personality, for me she was my kusam aunty who gives us chocolates along with lots of love. All these years we always remember her, talk about her that how she loved us and treet us like a family.
I know babla bhaiya (her son) and bunny (pet) with I used to play and he always come along with babla bhaiya sometimes alone.
I wish I could met her once. I wish wherever she is her soul rest in peace.
Thank you so much kusam aunty for taught us kindness, humbleness and i am grateful that I know her.
Love you so much and always missing you.

My deepest condolences to the family.

how does one remember a more than perfect human being ?                 AND THO YOU ARE WITH US NO MORE,
WE MISS YOU VERY MUCH,
AND AS THE DAYS GO BY , WE KNOW,
WE’LL MISS YOU ALL THE MORE                                                gita anil badhwar                                           
                

Dear Kusum, even though it has been 2 years, I still tend to think I'll see you in Guegoan! One had got used to long lapses in our meetings, but it's a comfort to know you're there! Then I have to remind myself that I won't see you again! But your presence is always there in your lovely Family! Often go down memory lane with you!

My dear friend Kusum, There is no day when I don't have thoughts about you. You were so close to me always helping no matter what the problem used to be. In my mind I am always talking to you. I can't forget that we used to talk about guru ji.
I am sure your soul is with God and guruji
Love you

A tribute to Kusum who as I knew her was an immortal soul who stood beside not only her lovely family but also with her friends like me and my wife Neera. With deep reverence I join innumerable friends and relatives of her in paying our heartfelt respects to her.God bless you Dear Viney and the children to bear her loss Ashok

My dearest auntie … have spent my beautiful years growing around her…she has given us all the joy and happiness… always a pleasure to see uncle and her so much for each other … I know Vinay uncle u r the most strongest person … the pain cannot be reduced but wth such loving children and grand children I am sure it can be reduced during the passing years .
Always will cherish her memories … take good care uncle ,babla, cherie,vikram , vedant and dhruv … luv u all … anu and sanju

My deepest condolences to Mr Viney Sahgal, Seema and Vikram. Spirituality and calmness defined her. Creating her place of worship was an experience I will always remember. RIP 

My dearest darling,

Today two whole years have elapsed since you transitioned into the beyond, and I must confess that the grief is still palpable.

At one level, I do realise that the day of parting one day was inevitable, but rationalising does not dull the pain of parting with the one person who was so inextricably a part of my being, and whose love and companionship brought so much joy and meaning into my life.

I console myself that your blessings will always be with me and with our wonderful family, but try as I might, I am unable to get over the pain of missing you.

I console myself that your continued blessings will always be there, and can only say that you will forever remain in our hearts.

With all my love and fervent prayer to God to always keep you in His loving embrace.
Forever yours,
Viney

"In Gratitude to Kusum, A Poem"

By Sharifah Rosso
April 19, 2002


How can I thank you,
You who have been so very kind and caring?
How can I thank you for your generosity,
Your selflessness, your sharing?

The words are washed away upon my tongue
As castles fade upon the ocean's sand
Tears filling my once joyfilled eyes,
When they anticipated your first arrival.

Sweet, dear Kusumdidi, Kusumji,
Devotee of God, Christ, Ksrishna, Guruji and Ma,
Humbleness is your soul's quiet might,
Wisdom and discrimination guide you through even the darkest nights.

No material gift do I have for you,
Although your preciousness of nature,
Is worthy of a palace,
So, too, your purity of spirit and innate character.

So take back to your dear India,
My soul's friendship and love,
My gratitude, my prayers,
And deepest appreciation,

The treasures I give to you as you depart,
And take also the Knowledge with you,
That no waves of time will wash away,
Nor will memory ever diminish the goodness,

That you have (perhaps even unknowingly)
Implanted within my soul,
Those qualities which will live on eternally,
Deep within the purity of my Heart.


Aunty Kusum,
Saddens me to get on this site but, on the other hand, it's so heartwarming to read these tributes and see how many hearts you have touched!
Miss your laugh and beautiful smile - never to be forgotten.

I always cherished the Satsanga at her residence. Today only I was detailing a devotee about her devotion to the Gurus and Yogoda. Incidentally, today is the day that a prestigious Satsanga led by nuns from US began at Noida. The noble soul got immense blessings today too. We miss you deedi.

Dear Viney,
It’s been almost two years since our dear Kusum left all of us to ponder upon her outstanding qualities which left a mark on one and all who came in contact with her. Both Neera and myself join you Cheri Vikram and Babla and the children in paying our respects to the wonderful soul Kusum who left a mark of her magnanimity on one and all who came in contact with her
May her Soul rest in peace and be an inspiration to one and all who had the privilege to know her
With Reverence
Ashok & Neera

Kusum, my dearest,

Today is the day you would have turned eighty two. Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the USA, and my heart has been filled with gratitude to you for all the joy, happiness, and fulfilment you brought into my life.

I have often pondered on the afterlife, and would fervently beseech the Almighty to keep you forever happy and in eternal bliss.

I seek your eternal blessings, and those of God and Guru, for Babla, Cherie, Vikram, Vedant, and Dhruv, and for everyone in the family.

With all my love and I wish and pray that God always keeps you in His loving embrace.

Forever yours,
Viney

Dear Viney,
I join innumerable people who had opportunity to be connected to Kusum as a friend relative or colleague and ponder over her spirit of affection and kindness with which she treated one and all the persons she got associated with.
I join Viney and the family to pay respect to this flawless soul who left all of us in void and specially Viney who loved and respected her feelings and thoughts.
Both Neera and myself bow to pay our respects to her on this day of a year of leaving all of us to remember her for all the moments we spent with her.
May the Almighty take care of this noble soul
Viney I hope with all honesty you will get all the courage to continue all her unfulfilled tasks
Yours
Ashok Kochhar

Missing you Kusum Bhabhi. Cherish fond memories. You are missed
Asha Seth, SK Seth & family

Kusum you were ethereal and we miss you. I can understand why my dearest friend Viney  once he set eyes on you could think of no one else but you. He married you at the first opportunity and I came to know you, which has been a privilege. You both came to our wedding and Kitty met you. You were part of our life and the warmth of your friendship made us feel so welcome always.
A year has gone since we lost you but your memories are as fresh as ever.
 May you always be in gods grace.
Sarabjit

Remembering the most beautiful soul,lovely aunt,mother and a friend….always cherished each moment in my life shared wth u and my lovely Vinay uncle…always felt my second home wth so much filled wth love and affection… will alwaz miss U auntie … love you for forever …wth love anu and sanju.

Had been meeting Kusum and Vinay quite often in the DGC. I had known Vinay since Jamalpur days as their batch was passing out when we joined. I remember Kusum as a very accomplished lady full of grace. My deepest condolences to the family. May her soul find eternal peace. Deepak Gulhati

Will always remember you - the most kind, genuine, and loving aunt that anybody could ever have.
Rest in peace in the heavenly abode.

God bless Kusum Bhanji.
We are all missing you a lot.  ❤️

Deedi, I called her,Yogoda linked me with her. It continues. Always cherished her being. My first Satsang was at her residence dedicated with esteem at Guru Ji’s feet, that is where she rests. After my transfer from Noida the comeback was dotted with her presence (though frail) in Ashram on my first visit there. Carry that fondness in heart, know none in her physical family but divine. Deedi, you are Kusum- blossoming ever, and tending many ever and always. Be there, await us. Look forward to meet you if ever I get fortunate. Jai Guru.

A compassionate doctor, a doting mother, a loving wife

Will always remember her warm smile, her affection, her hospitality, her positive attitude, her encouragement, her helping nature, her energy, her kindness...

On this her birth anniversary, our thoughts are filled with warmth, kindness and graciousness which she always exhuded. Kusumji, you will always occupy a special corner of our hearts. With many happy remembrances,
Suneeta & Subhash

Our condolences to Viney Bhai Sahib, Babla, Cherie, Vikram, Vedant and Dhruv.
May Kusum Bhanji Rest In Peace.

This is Neelam, Kusum Bhanji’s Mamaji’s daughter. I stayed with her and her parents
when I was going to school in New Delhi.

We were all so excited when she got admission in Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Dehli. I was so proud she was becoming a doctor and looked upon her as a mentor.

We shared very happy memories together for many years. She was staying at the hostel and took me for a week on her break and showed me the whole medical college and the Anatomy lab. It was so interesting to see the different human body organs. I still remember her best friend, Buba. We all had so much fun together.

After graduating from medical school, she got married to her childhood sweetheart, Viney Sahgal. She was a successful doctor and succeeded to be principal of Lady Hardinge Medical College.

In spite of all her outstanding academic achievements, she was a very humble person. 

I got married and went to London, England. My husband, Parmodh, I and family, went to visit my parents and her in New Delhi. Kusum Bhanji and Viney Bhai Sahib were very happy to see us.

Kusum Bhanji was a kind, loving and caring person. I used to call her from Calgary and she once said “Neelam, I always remember your birthday” Oh God, that touched me and I had tears in my eyes.

I wish we had spent more time after marriage but everyone got busy. She will be in our thoughts and prayers and we will miss her forever.

Dear Viney, Cherie and Babla:

Kusum's untimely demise has been a big shock to Asha and me. Viney, we spoke a couple of times after her passing but we also want to share our feelings online to commemorate Kusum.

First, our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your loss, and for the void which can never be filled. While we cCan’t express how terrible her loss is to all of us it is certainly unimaginable for us to fathom how you must feel. Asha and I are sad that we will not be able to see her again in our life.

We have known Kusum ever since your wedding. Your family and ours spent many years together in DLW. We recall have fond memories of those days and remember what a lovely person and a great human being Kusum was. We were always touched by her sweet demeanor, poise and helpfulness in all circumstances. We witnessed then, and in later years too, her gentle soul, her professional growth, her positive energy and her respect for all. While she was polite and gentle we did discern a spine of steel and resolve. Above all else, she had her own special style of sense of humor too.

In short, we experienced her as a lovely, gracious, warm and loving soul who, in later years, embraced spirituality which elevated her to a larger persona. We are very sorry to lose such a wonderful friend and will always remember her fondly.

Viney, we are with you in mind and spirit to share the loss. As I said when we spoke, this is the stage in life when you and Kusum need each other the most. This makes your loss more pronounced.

In this grave moment of loss, we pray that God gives you and the family the courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss. May her hovering presence and abiding love remain in your hearts to comfort and strengthen you to heal and bridge the loss and the void.

We pray God keeps her safe in his arms and may her soul rest eternally in peace.

Yours in sorrow,

Asha and Subhash Dhingra

Kusum was a very warm, loving, friendly and caring personality. She had a highly successful professional career and received worldwide recognition. She loved to meet people and was an inspiration for other persons.
She was a fantastic host and her parties were always superb. In spite of her personal health problems she used to try to meet every guest to make sure that they are being looked after well.
Her passing away has left a big vacuum and all of us are going to miss her for all times to come. May God Almighty give her a very special place in Heaven to Rest In Peace.
Om Shanti Om.
Manu Ashoka

Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother Mrs. Kusum. May her memory be a blessing for all of you. May you be spared further sorrow. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Eduard and Rachel Samson

We first came in to contact with Kusum when she came to DLW Varanasi with Viney in 1964. And what a time we had along with other friends who were already posted there. We had parties, played golf and bridge; in short we had a gala time, besides of course working towards the setting up of the modern diesel locomotive workshop. Kusum was an extremely affectionate and loveable person and gentle to the core. She will be missed by family and friends alike. May god grant her eternal peace.

Kusum means a flower, beautiful and sublime! Spreading happiness,joy always with a smile.
For me,Kusum di was an inspiration and an institution.Helping, loving and undaunted in her high spirits.
We were so fortunate to have lived as nextdoor neighbours twice in chanakya puri and Noida and shared many memorable anecdotes over dinners and teas for over two decades with Viney bhaiya and Kusum di.
For you I was your bubbly and you loved and doted on me wholeheartedly.
Your humble nature and wisdom shall stay with me forever and echo in times of need.
How can I forget how you brought Neeru and Neeraj together culminating in a wedding bliss and showered us with so much love and made us feel so special.
Kusum didi may you live in eternal peace and keep spreading your blessings from above.
We miss your presence deeply and you have left a deep void in our lives .
You will remain in our hearts forever and ever.
Love and regards
Neeru Verma

Life has the uncanny knack of suddenly filling our lives with a void which is difficult to fill. Kusum was as friendly and gentle person as you can find. She was a wonderful wife and mother. May her soul attain Sadgati. Om Shanti.

I last met Kusum aunty and Viney uncle on a trip to delhi in 2013, whilst visiting delhi for a week with a contingent from my University. I remember aunty's graciousness and poise. As a kriya yogi myself, I empathize with her practices and beliefs through her life.
Having lost my own mother in 2020, I empathize with Babla and Cherie.
Life goes on...it is but a dream. More than memories, it is also shared experience and emotions, the creation and dissolution of karma.
Let the grief play out, but take comfort in that you are not really separated.

Human bonds are mysterious indeed. Sometimes in your sunset years someone touches your life and suddenly it is as if you’ve been connected for lifetimes.
Hearts stop, minds forget but such bonds last forever.
Yes, Kusum you’ll be forever missed.

It is 2months since you left but it is still very hard to believe. You had immense love for Vinod & me which was very palpable. You were a dear friend of my sister Ambika too. Every winter you would invite us to your annual lunch at the farm and would make each one of us feel so special with the individual attention you would give to each guest. When you became the principal of my Alma Mater, I felt so proud of you. I am sure you will light up heaven with your presence and your pure soul. Rest in peace. You will stay in our hearts eternally and we will cherish the wonderful memories. We are blessed to have had you in our lives.

Dear uncle Viney, Cherie, Babla & Vikram,
Aunty Kusum was an amazing person who touched every one's heart.
Besides memories of the wedding in Dhera Dhun, I especially remember attending her award ceremony where she cleared 10 awards! I was only eight but was so impressed and affected by her achievements that it became an inspiration in my life. Her empathy and love for everyone was amazing, especially my mother.
She will be dearly missed; she has left a vacuum in my heart.
Rest in peace and God Bless all of you.

Shamila Behal

If you have to bond with someone, it does not take too many meetings! That is how it worked with the Sahgals and us at Mathura Road. Over the years though distance increase between us, we had become 'family' and were content in knowing about each other being there.

Kusum my dear you will be missed but with the pleasant memories which came flooding in as soon as you went. Still remember the last evening spent with you going down memory lane..... So glad to have had that visit! You will stay in our hearts forever!

We came to know Kusumji more over the past decade and a half. She was a very charming, caring and warm hearted person and particularly drawn towards Suneeta as was Suneeta towards her. Ever so often during get togethers the two would find a quiet corner to talk about things of mutual interest.

Less than a fortnight before her passing we spent a most absorbing evening with her and Viney at their beautiful residence. And she kept cajoling us to stay on till quite late, as if wishing the evening didnt have to end.

We shall miss her always.

May she rest in eternal peace.

I am taking the liberty of expressing my heartfelt sorrow on the sad demise of Dear Kusum,a noble soul that she was.It is a great loss to not only Viney Cherrie Babla and Vikram but also to many people like me and my wife Neera who have been privileged to spend memorable moments with this outstanding lady her equally noble husband.God is great that he united two of the noblest persons I have met in my life.I bow to the Almighty to give Kusum eternal peacepeace and peace eternaleternallpeace

Generations of Maulanians owe their career choices to Dr Sehgal.

I was fortunate to be her student.
She was the most loved teacher and an outstanding principal.

Her tenure introduced many New and then path breaking rules.

She will continue to enlighten our paths.

Dr Arvind C Kacker
Batch of 1981
MAMC

I met Kusum ji around 15 years ago when we moved to Dera Mandi greens. She was very warm and endearing and I felt I knew her for much longer. A very noble soul who is truly missed by everyone who came in touch with her.

Remembering Dr. Kusum Sahgal fondly,

Dear Kusum, you have left us but you will never be forgotten because you have left your indelible footprints in the sands of time!
Kusum was an integral part of our family for almost 57 lovely years and very gracefully took on the role of “Barri Bhabhi” for me, always guiding me in the right direction. Anand, Latika, Deepika, and the entire family were so fortunate to receive so much love and care from her and from dear brother Viney, which we will always cherish. She would shower us with love when we went to India, always focused on helping us make the most of our visits there. The entire family used to so look forward to her and Viney’s summertime visits with us to the US.  We will always cherish the good times we had and remember her for her very warm, loving, caring, forgiving and generous personality and feel gratitude for the times we spent together.

Kusum was a highly accomplished person of great academic, intellectual, and professional achievements that one can justifiably be very proud of, yet she never dwelled on her accomplishments or shared them with us.  She identified more with her role as a family member and as a spiritual and an inquisitive seeker of the truth and divine knowledge through study and meditation.  She meditated for hours together, which no doubt gave her a lot of inner strength that I admired.  I looked upon her with reverence as someone who had attained so much spiritual growth through the path of meditation that I had designated her as our savior with special powers in her prayers.  Whenever I was anxious or worried about anything or anyone, I would ask her to pray for us. She would invariably comfort me by saying, “I am already doing that! As A matter of fact, I pray for you and the entire family daily.”

Kusum was a very devoted member of the Self Realization Fellowship family who never pushed her religious beliefs on others.  I would express my surprise at this to her. She believed that a person who was mentally and spiritually ready would himself seek that knowledge and ask questions that she would gladly answer.  

Today, we mourn Kusum’s physical absence. Dear Viney, Sandeep, Seema, Vikram, Vedant and Dhruv, we share your loss and love you all deeply. However, her spirit lives on. Her indestructible soul lives on.  Our beautiful memories of her as a selfless and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and a senior family member of a very, very, united family will live on and continue to inspire us, always. She truly lived a life worth celebrating! Rest in peace, dear Kusum, until we meet again, because I do believe in rebirth and life after life. 

Geeta

I remember her as such a beautiful person inside and out. All my conscious memories of Bhaiya and Geeta Didi along with Anand Bhaiya have been together with all of you part of us indivisible from us.
Her spiritual evolution which I observed through her entire life was illuminating and lighted her life and ours. It did have a profound effect on me I got through 2011/2012 and came out a changed person because of what I learned from her.
Her loss is profound it’s like loosing my second mother.
I know the strength of our love will eventually heal the hurt we all feel. Knowing that she didn’t suffer and was with loved ones. She is in a better place she was in her own way I think preparing for this.
I love you all and prayers for all.
Vivek

Dear Cherie, we are all in deep shock here and numb from the sudden & untimely passing away of Mamiji! It's still not sinking in, especially since we had the good fortune of seeing her on Face time about 7-10 days back. Pls stay strong for yourself & Mamaji, Babla & rest of the family. Hope he is holding up ok. Words can't express the disbelief & sorrow we all feel but knowing she has gone to a better place & went peacefully without pain gives us some solace. Incredibly I had developed a deep understanding & a spiritual camaraderie with her due to SRF. Everyone here will.miss her a lot! May God grant her eternal peace & bliss. We are all with you, Mammaji & Babla in this tough time and pray to the Almighty to give you  strength and peace! God bless everyone there & pls do not hesitate to let us know if we can be of help in any small way. 
Sending lots of love.
Sunil & Latika

Vinay uncle this is Guddu(Lakhanpal). 
Really sorry to hear about Kusum Auntie. Wishing you all strength to bear the loss and Peace to her soul. 
Lots of Love & Best wishes to the family. 
Guddu. 

Dear Viney ji , I got to know from Ambika & LHMC group a short while ago.I accessed your WhatsApp account to convey our deepest condolences and read this message. What happened to her? So sorry to learn of your loss. May her soul rest in peace .May God give you the strength to cope with this irreplacable loss. Please convey our deepest condolences to all in the family. Take care .  Regards.
Chinna & Vinod

Dear Beti Cherie,
Something like 57 years ago, a young girl, Kusum, came into our life when she and our very dear nephew, Viney, got married.
Just a little while after the wedding in Dehradun, Viney had to come for some training with the Indian Railways, to Kanpur, where we happened to be posted. We persuaded Kusum to come with him. Thus we became a small "Family", four adults and three little kids.Men were between them mighty happy. Kusum was a well-qualified doctor, me a mere housewife but she accepted me and treated me as a friend. We were so happy in each other's company, under the same roof. There was no feeling of "Rishtey-dari" only pure, simple love as friends. It is at this time that a strong bond of togetherness sprouted between all of us to last a lifetime. Sharing ordinary little, little comforts, simple meals, lot of fun and laughter. The kids had great time with Didi and Bhaiyya. This chance of living together was a precious gift given by God. It made the foundation of our love very strong.
Her going away has left a deep HURT and helplessness.
With love,
Satya Sagar, Lata